As manyhavepointedout, Portland has one of the most restrictive taxi policies in the country. We have fewer taxis per person and pay more for them than most other cities. … We now have three car-share companies in Portland, with more to come in the future. Bike rentals can be found all over the city. Even in the realm of public transportation, we have employer shuttles and school shuttles that supplement TriMet. Why should taxis be exempt from the need to compete and innovate? …

Many people dismiss taxis as unimportant given new car-sharing options like Car2go, but Car2go has its limitations: it requires a sober driver; it requires a membership; cars are not always available nearby; the "home area" only covers inner neighborhoods; and the cars are very small.

Zef closes by spelling out exactly how interested citizens can weigh in before Wednesday’s vote.